Longtime UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones has retired from competition. UFC CEO Dana White announced that Tom Aspinall, who won the interim heavyweight championship in 2023, is now the official heavyweight champion.
White revealed at a press conference in Azerbaijan, where UFC Fight Night took place that Jones, 37, called the UFC on Friday night to tell them he was walking away. White said: “Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC.”
One Sturday, Jones confirmed the announcement with a social media post: “Today, I’m officially announcing my retirement from the UFC. This decision comes after a lot of reflection, and I want to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the journey I’ve experienced over the years. From the first time I stepped into the Octagon, my goal was to push the boundaries of what was possible in this sport. Becoming the youngest UFC champion in history, defending my title against some of the best fighters in the world, and sharing unforgettable moments with fans across the globe—these are memories I’ll cherish forever. I’ve faced incredible highs and some tough lows, but every challenge has taught me something valuable and made me stronger, both as a fighter and as a person. I want to thank the UFC, Dana, Hunter, Lorenzo, God, my family, coaches, teammates, and all the fans who have stood by me through every chapter. Your unwavering support and belief in me have been my foundation. To my fellow fighters, thank you for bringing out the best in me and for the respect we’ve shared inside and outside the cage. As I close this chapter of my life, I look forward to new opportunities and challenges ahead. MMA will always be a part of who I am, and I’m excited to see how I can continue to contribute to the sport and inspire others in new ways. Thank you all for being part of this incredible journey with me. The best is yet to come.”
The UFC had been hoping to book a heavyweight title unification bout between Jones and Aspinall, but Jones had not shown interest since his last fight against Stipe Miocic in November. White said the UFC will work with Aspinall next week on booking his first title defense.
Jones, is widely considered the greatest mixed martial artist of all time and the most dominant fighter in UFC history. His only recorded defeat came in 2009, not from being outmatched, but due to a disqualification for using illegal elbow strikes against Matt Hamill. He first claimed the UFC light heavyweight title in March 2011 and successfully defended it until July 2017, when he was stripped of the belt after testing positive for a turinabol metabolite. He reclaimed the championship in December 2018 and held it until he chose to relinquish the title in order to move up to the heavyweight division, where he would go on to secure two championship victories.
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